“…individuals or groups attempting to corrupt public institutions, exploit the country’s territory, or jeopardize the future of the youth would be relentlessly pursued and prosecuted,”
–Pres. Boakai.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has vowed to crack down on drug trafficking networks operating in and through the country.
Boakai’s assurance followed the recent seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The shipment, authorities estimated to be worth more than US$19 million L$3.6 billion on the international market.
Pres. Boakai described the discovery as one of the largest narcotics interceptions in the country’s drug fight history and a serious threat to national security.
He made the statement on Tuesday, June 16, in which he said, the seizure highlights the growing danger posed by transnational criminal organizations that continue to use West Africa as a transit route for illicit drugs and criminal proceeds.
While reaffirming his government’s commitment to attract legitimate investment, Boakai stressed the need for the country not to become a destination for drug traffickers and organized crime syndicates.
Pres. Boakai declared that Liberia would not serve as a “safe haven, transit point, warehouse, financial center, or operational base for international narcotics traffickers.”
He warned that individuals or groups attempting to corrupt public institutions, exploit the country’s territory, or jeopardize the future of the youth would be relentlessly pursued and prosecuted.
In response to the drug gust, Boakai announced that he had ordered a full-scale investigation under the supervision of the National Joint Security apparatus and the National Security Council.
The investigation is being led by the LDEA and the Liberia National Police (LNP), with support from several security and intelligence institutions.
They include the National Security Agency, Financial Intelligence Agency, Liberia Immigration Service, Customs authorities, and the Ministry of Justice.
“The investigation will focus not only on those (unknown individuals) directly linked to the cocaine shipment, but also on uncovering the criminal enterprise behind the operation.
Boakai emphasized the need for authorities to determine and dismantle the financial, logistical, and organizational networks responsible for facilitating the trafficking scheme.
Pres. Boakai’s remarks come amid growing public concern over the increasing presence of illicit drugs, and allegations that influential individuals (not named) may be involved in facilitating major drug operations.
While no names have been publicly disclosed, Boakai assured the nation that no person, regardless of status or position, would be exempt from investigation, if evidence points to their involvement.
In what many observers see as a test of the government’s commitment to accountability, Boakai pledged that the probe would follow the evidence wherever it leads.
He stated that no institution would be shielded from scrutiny and no criminal network would be allowed to evade justice.
The statement is expected to intensify public expectations for transparency and concrete results from the ongoing investigation.
He also disclosed that his administration has engaged international law enforcement and security partners to support the investigation.
Cooperation efforts include intelligence sharing, financial tracking, forensic analysis, and coordinated cross-border operations aimed at identifying all individuals and organizations connected to the cocaine shipment.
Despite the strong rhetoric, critics argue that previous drug-related investigations have often failed to expose the masterminds behind major trafficking operations.
Many Liberians have demanded that authorities move beyond public declarations, and ensure that those financing and protecting drug networks are brought before the courts.
The latest seizure has renewed calls for reforms within security institutions and stronger measures to combat corruption linked to narcotics trafficking.
As the investigation unfolds, Pres. Boakai urged citizens to remain patient and avoid actions that could compromise ongoing operations.
He promised that information would be released at appropriate stages while maintaining the integrity of the probe. Boakai meanwhile, described the fight against drug trafficking as a “battle for Liberia’s future.”
